Recreation director's passion helps people in community

Vickie McKiver compared being the recipient of the 2013 Martin Luther King Community Service Award to winning a national basketball championship.

BY DENEESHA EDWARDSThe Dispatch

THOMASVILLE | Vickie McKiver compared being the recipient of the 2013 Martin Luther King Community Service Award to winning the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women's Division II national basketball championship. As a student at High Point University, McKiver won the 1978 title because of the team's dedication, efforts and hard work. She said the local recognition says the same things for her as the director of the Thomasville Parks and Recreation Department — when there's teamwork everyone can be successful."This means more than anything," McKiver said. "To be honored with (this) award … I was so proud to be in the same category with Martin Luther King. Without him pushing his dreams and fighting for his rights, this award would not even be possible. I enjoy interacting with people, striving to help them be successful and encouraging them to move toward their mark so they can be successful."McKiver is humbled by the honor from the Martin Luther King Social Action Committee. The organization presents two individuals with the recognition each year. McKiver along with Freddie L. Gaither, director of My Brother's Keeper, were presented with plaques Saturday at the MLK Awards Dinner and Oratorical Contest at Rich Fork Baptist Church.She said the award was surprising because she does not work to receive recognition. McKiver is passionate about helping others."It was really nice," McKiver said. "I felt so honored. You don't realize when you're helping people out … people are watching you."McKiver joined the parks and recreation department 27 years ago. She started as a center director and then became program director. She has been the head person for more than a year. McKiver noted she is also the first African-American director. She earned a science degree in physical education from High Point University where she received a basketball and volleyball scholarship.McKiver commends everyone for being so helpful during her time with the city, which has allowed her to learn so many things. About nine staff members work under McKiver."I enjoy my job. The staff is really good to work with," she said. "I like most interacting with the people in the community trying to find out what they want and making sure we provide those services."McKiver has been married to Abraham McKiver for 27 years. They have three daughters — Latasha, Ashley and Nora. She is a board member with Communities In Schools of Thomasville, Davidson County Wellness Committee, Davidson County Healthy Communities Coalition and Fairgrove Family Resource Center. In the past, she has served as a board member of the Davidson County Special Olympics. McKiver is also a member and minister at Williams Memorial CME Church in High Point. She has stayed with the City of Thomasville for so many years because she enjoys the small atmosphere."We have a closeness that allows us to work together. That's one thing about Thomasville I love. We bond together well. We work together well. Everyone is always there to lend a hand. We all work together for the good of the community … that's what makes the city so successful."Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.

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